{"id":11852,"date":"2025-03-05T11:28:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T10:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wpdi.org\/?p=11852"},"modified":"2025-03-05T15:05:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T14:05:15","slug":"focus-alicia-english-wpdi-womens-livelihood-program-winner-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wpdi.org\/fr\/news\/focus-alicia-english-wpdi-womens-livelihood-program-winner-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"PORTRAIT: Alicia English, WPDI Women\u2019s Livelihood Program Winner in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cThe world is waiting for your solution.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Alicia English<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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March 5, 2025 – <\/b>In the years since WPDI has been running the Women\u2019s Livelihood Program, we have had the honor of getting to know individuals whose strength, resilience, and commitment are truly inspirational. <\/span>Alicia English<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0 a dedicated mother and social entrepreneur from Mitchell\u2019s Plain, Cape Flats, South Africa, is one of those people. Mother of three, Alicia tragically lost her husband to complications following Covid-19, and decided to turn her family\u2019s grief and pain into something positive. With immense courage, she has transformed personal adversity into a mission of hope and empowerment for her community, channeling her grief into writing children’s books aimed at helping young ones navigate loss and understand neurodiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In collaboration with her son Matthew, then 10 years old, Alicia co-authored \u00ab\u00a0I Miss Daddy,\u00a0\u00bb a poignant book designed to assist children coping with the death of a parent. This project not only served as a therapeutic outlet for her family but also provided a valuable resource for other grieving children and their families.<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthering her commitment to inclusivity, Alicia was inspired by her nephew Jamey, who has ADHD, to write \u00ab\u00a0I Can.\u00a0\u00bb This book aims to raise awareness about neurodiversity and encourage children of all abilities to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alicia’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social causes were recognized when she became <\/span>a winner of our Women’s Livelihood Program<\/span><\/a> in 2023. Through this program, she received training in Business and Entrepreneurship, which empowered her to establish <\/span>The Olive Exchange<\/span><\/a>. This online platform aims to promote affordable educational content, notably children\u2019s books. The platform not only publishes Alicia\u2019s books but also supports local artists and promotes educational content for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Alicia, WPDI\u2019s Women\u2019s Livelihood Program was a turning point. When reflecting on her experience with us, she shared: \u201c<\/span>I think if I look at myself and the program I took part in\u2014the Women’s Livelihood Program\u2014working in this program and being part of it with other women who have started or are wanting to start their own businesses, I can definitely speak from a personal perspective about the immense impact it has had on our lives.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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We\u2019ve been empowered and equipped\u2014not just with book knowledge, but with practical skills we can actually apply. Sometimes, you take part in a program, and it’s a lot of theory, but you don\u2019t have the right environment to put it into practice or successfully run a business.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Back in 2005, I started a company, but I had nobody to mentor me. I had some success in the first few months, but within the first year, I faced challenges and gave up because I thought I was a failure\u2014that this wasn\u2019t for me. If I had had a mentor back then, someone to guide me and teach me practical skills, my business would have been 20 years old this year.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

For me, the impact of WPDI has been immense because we have had mentors who support us every step of the way.\u00a0\u00bb<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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Her achievements extend beyond authorship. After completing WPDI\u2019s Women Livelihood Program, Alicia graduated with a Professional Master’s in Business Administration and is now pursuing a Humanitarian Doctorate in Business Administration, exemplifying her commitment to personal growth and community development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alicia\u2019s journey from personal loss to community advocate highlights the profound impact of resilience and the power of using one’s experiences to uplift others. Her work continues to inspire and bring about positive change in the Cape Flats and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n